“Let us hope a decision comes soon.”
Several months ago, I suggested to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority/ Department of Transportation, through an article, to study the feasibility of reversing the traffic flow of the EDSA bus carousel. My purpose was not simply to prevent illegal users but also because of other more practical engineering reasons. One is that passengers will no longer have to board the bus on the outer side of the lane which would be beneficial especially during inclement weather. The other is that there will be a possibility of narrowing the lane used by the buses, thereby allowing more space for the other vehicles using EDSA.
When I made the suggestion, I traversed a good portion of EDSA to see whether minor civil engineering works in the form of traffic signal installations in critical areas and improved barrier placements can make it happen. My initial impression was that it is doable but requires a lot of work to ensure safety which should be the primary consideration if the plan is to be implemented. A lot of dry runs and public information drives will also have to be undertaken. This is because the success of this plan would largely depend on driver discipline which unfortunately is practically nonexistent at the moment.
It was a bit surprising that when the plan was announced, the DOTr mentioned asking the opinion of the bus companies operating in EDSA as if the final decision will depend on what these bus companies would say and not because the plan is possible engineering-wise. Radio and TV reporters also interviewed a number of drivers and got varying responses. It would have been a lot better if the reporters went to the UP Engineering Department to ask for their expert opinion if such a plan is doable and beneficial to the public. I do hope that MMDA and the DOTr will not simply base whatever decision they will make solely on the opinion of the bus drivers but more on a well thought of traffic engineering study saying that the plan can be done safely.
As I have also been saying in the past, MMDA should take another look at the way EDSA is being managed in order to maximize its potential more efficiently. This is because there is still a lot that can be done to improve traffic flow along the road. Unfortunately, MMDA and the DOTr do not think so and appear reluctant to enlist outside help to see what else can be done to make the road more efficient. I believe this is a huge mistake on their part. Whether the MMDA and DOTr will accept it or not, both agencies will always need outside input to do a better job. This is why there are consultants who are good in certain fields that can be tapped to help in certain areas like traffic signals.
Considering that MMDA seems to have concentrated its major effort on EDSA, one would think that traffic flow along the road would at least have improved over the years but as we can all see, it has not. Something must be wrong with what it is doing. For instance, according to the head of traffic management of MMDA, daily vehicular volume along EDSA has reached about 420,000 vehicles a day more or less. Whether in fact 420,000 is the maximum carrying load for EDSA on both corridors is open to question. I have been trying to find out how this number was reached but could not find anyone who can give me a credible answer. Was this number reached by actually counting the daily vehicle volume using both North and South corridors or was it calculated based on the maximum load per lane per hour? Why is this important? There is a difference between the two.
Furthermore, MMDA in its concentration on EDSA should not forget to pay attention to C-5 and the Skyway because these roads have a huge impact in the efficient utilization of EDSA. Both can lessen traffic volume along EDSA. But let us hope that a decision on the counter flow will come out very soon together with all the guidelines if it is a go.
